Dispensing Machine Valve and Method

ABSTRACT

A one-way valve is connectable in fluid communication with a fluid-receiving chamber, such as a dilution chamber or a mixing chamber for diluting or mixing a perishable food product, such as a milk product or chocolate product, and forming a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween. The valve comprises a relatively rigid valve seat, and a relatively flexible valve member overlying the valve seat and forming an axially-elongated, normally-closed valve opening therebetween defining an inlet at one end of the valve seat, an outlet at an opposite end of the valve seat, and an axially-extending seal therebetween that forms a fluid-tight seal between the inlet and outlet of the normally-closed valve opening. An axially-extending valve body is radially spaced relative to the valve member and forms a space therebetween allowing fluid-flow therethrough for cleaning the valve and the fluid-receiving chamber. A seal is engageable with the fluid-receiving chamber and forms a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween to seal the valve outlet and fluid-receiving chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere. The valve member is movable radially away from the valve seat in response to substance at the inlet to the valve opening exceeding a valve opening pressure to flow into the normally closed valve opening, through the outlet, and into the fluid-receiving chamber.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/102,884, filed May 6, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,376,189,claiming the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/332,551, filed May 7, 2010, both of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety as part of the presentdisclosure as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to one-way valves, and more particularly,to one-way valves that can be used in dispensing apparatus to deliverproducts, such as perishable food products, from reservoirs whileaseptically storing the unused product to allow, for example, forprolonged shelf-life without requiring refrigeration.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Aseptic packaging is widely used to prolong the shelf life of food anddrink products. With conventional aseptic packaging, the product isfilled and sealed in the package under sterile or bacteria-freeconditions. Aseptic packaged food and drink products work in conjunctionwith a dispensing apparatus constrained by the requirements that thesystem deliver sterile product at the point of use and be costeffective. The shelf-life of aseptically packaged product after openingis re-contamination. The dispensing path of an aseptic package,culminating in a one-way valve, creates an avenue wherebyre-contamination can occur and has been the subject of improvementefforts.

One-way valves used in conjunction with aseptic packaging can beclassified as those integral to the dispensing apparatus, thosecomprised of parts integral to the dispensing apparatus and other partsintegral to the aseptic packaging, and those integral to the asepticpackage. These different one-way valve choices influence the duration oftime between opening and product re-contamination, the cost ofpackaging, and the requirement for product refrigeration.

A dispensing apparatus with an integral one-way valve has the risk ofproduct re-contamination in the connection of the aseptic package to theone-way valve. Absent effective cleaning the life of the product may beconsiderably lowered due to contamination at the point of connectionfrom the dispensing apparatus to the aseptic package. One effort toaddress this problem in the prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,252 wherethe dispensing apparatus includes integral pinchers to open and close anopen-ended, flexible tube connected to the pouch for dispensing producttherethrough. The one-way valve closes the tube from the ambientatmosphere by pinching the open end of the tube. In order to dispenseproduct, the pinch valve is released from the tube, and the product isin turn allowed to flow from the pouch and through the open end of thetube. One of the drawbacks of this type of prior art dispenser andpackaging is that during installation of the pouch and tube assemblyinto the dispenser, and during dispensing, there is a risk that bacteriaor other unwanted substances can enter into the open ended tube andcontaminate the product. If the product is a non-acid product, such as amilk-based product, it must be maintained under refrigeration to ensurethe life of the product.

One-way valves integral to an aseptic package address the problem ofre-contamination at the connection interface between the aseptic packageand the dispensing apparatus through removing the interface, limitingthis class of one-way valves to re-contamination solely through theoutlet of the one-way valve itself. U.S. Pat. No. 7,322,491 furtheraddresses this problem through advantageous use of a valve-seat,valve-cover combination to hermetically seal the product in the packagethroughout its shelf life and multiple dispensing of the product. Such aone-way valve allows for the use of non-acid products, such asmilk-based products, without refrigeration. Such a one-way valve alsocreates the need for integration into a dispensing apparatus and thechallenges thereby imposed.

Aseptic packaged materials face the problem of contamination upon exitfrom the package. Sources of contamination include residual materialfrom previous operation of the valve, micro-organism contamination, andcontamination introduced to the outlet face of the one-way valve duringassembly or cleaning of the dispensing apparatus. A remedy known in theart includes the incorporation of clean-in-place functionality.Clean-in-place functionality institutes periodic cleaning of foodcontact surfaces by introducing a cleaning fluid like water, soap,bleach, or a like material or combination of materials to the surfaces.The surface then is exposed to an atmospheric change that includeselevated temperature or pressure change. The result of the process is tosubstantially remove material that would otherwise be positioned tocontaminate product subsequently crossing the one-way valve.

Such clean-in-place functionality imposes the constraint that thecleaning fluid not break the hermetic seal between the space beingcleaned and the product reservoir. Further, if a one-way valve is usedin connection with such clean-in-place functionality, the one-way valvemust resist the pressure of fluid used by the clean-in-placefunctionality so as to prevent the introduction of contaminates into theone-way valve. Additionally, such one-way valves need to maintain theirhermetic seal when a temperature gradient is imposed across the one-wayvalve by the clean-in-place fluid contacting the exterior surface of theone-way valve. Such one-way valves need to not distort or change shapeso as to pass a different amount of material in response to a givenproduct pressure as a result of having been subjected to a series ofclean-in-place cycles. Finally, such one-way valves need to maintaintheir hermetic seal when clean-in-place functionality includes theapplication of a vacuum to the surface of the one-way valve.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome one ormore of the above-described drawbacks and/or disadvantages of the priorart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention is directed toa valve connectable in fluid communication with a fluid-receivingchamber, such as a dilution chamber or a mixing chamber for diluting ormixing a perishable food product, such as a milk product or chocolateproduct, and forming a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween. Thevalve comprises a relatively rigid valve seat, and a relatively flexiblevalve member or cover overlying the valve seat and forming anaxially-elongated, normally-closed valve opening therebetween definingan inlet at one end of the valve seat, an outlet at an opposite end ofthe valve seat, and an axially-extending seal therebetween that forms afluid-tight seal between the inlet and outlet of the normally-closedvalve opening. An axially-extending valve body is radially spacedrelative to the valve member and forms a space therebetween allowingfluid-flow therethrough for cleaning the valve and the fluid-receivingchamber. A seal is engageable with the fluid-receiving chamber and formsa substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween to seal the valve outletand fluid-receiving chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere. Thevalve member is movable radially away from the valve seat in response tosubstance at the inlet to the valve opening exceeding a valve openingpressure to flow into the normally closed valve opening, through theoutlet, and into the fluid-receiving chamber.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the valve furthercomprises a deflector extending axially beyond the outlet of thenormally closed valve opening. In some such embodiments, the deflectorextends axially beyond a distal end of the valve body. In some suchembodiments, the deflector extends axially from the valve seat. In somesuch embodiments, the deflector defines a distal end, the valve bodydefines a distal end, and the distal end of the deflector either (1)extends axially about the same extent as the distal end of the valvebody, or (2) extends axially beyond the distal end of the valve body. Insome embodiments, the deflector is substantially conical shaped.

Preferably, the valve member and the valve seat form an interference fittherebetween. In some such embodiments, the valve member and valve seatdefine a decreasing level of interference at the inlet relative to theoutlet of the normally-closed valve opening. In some such embodiments,the valve member and valve seat define a progressively decreasing levelof interference in the direction from the inlet to the outlet of thenormally-closed valve opening.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the valve member defines afirst thickness at the inlet and a second thickness at the outlet thatis less than the first thickness. In some such embodiments, the firstthickness is at least about 1¼ times greater than the second thickness,is preferably at least about 1½ times greater, and is more preferably atleast about 1¾ times greater.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the valve member defines adistal end, the valve body defines a distal end, and the distal end ofthe valve member is spaced inwardly relative to the distal end of thevalve body. In some such embodiments, the valve body extends annularlyabout the valve member. In some such embodiments, the valve memberextends annularly about the valve seat and includes a base locatedapproximately at the valve opening or upstream of the valve opening. Thebase extends radially between the valve seat and valve body. In somesuch embodiments, the base of the valve member defines a curvilinearsurface extending substantially radially between the valve seat andvalve body. In some such embodiments, the base includes a firstcurvilinear surface portion adjacent to the valve seat defined by afirst radius, and a second curvilinear surface portion adjacent to thevalve body defined by a second radius. Preferably, the first radius isgreater than the second radius.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the seal extends annularlyabout a distal end of the valve body. In some such embodiments, the sealis formed integral with the valve member. In some such embodiments, thevalve member and seal are co-molded to the valve body, such as byover-molding the valve member and seal to the valve body.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the valve member, seal,and valve body define a space that extends annularly along the valvemember and radially between the valve member and valve body forreceiving fluid therethrough for cleaning the valve. In some embodimentsof the present invention, the chamber is a dilution chamber or a mixingchamber for receiving a perishable food product, the dilution chamber ormixing chamber and valve are subjected to a clean-in-place processinvolving elevated temperatures above ambient temperature (e.g., up toabout 95° C.) and vacuum pressure, and the valve member is made of amaterial and is configured to define a valve opening pressure that issufficiently high to maintain a hermetic seal between the valve memberand valve seat during the clean-in-place process. In some suchembodiments, the valve opening pressure is at least about 5 psi, ispreferably at least about 6½ psi, and more preferably is at least about8½ psi. In some embodiments of the present invention, the valve memberis made of silicone.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the valve furthercomprises a relatively flexible filler extending axially and radiallybetween the valve member and valve body. The valve member defines afirst hardness that allows the valve member to flex outwardly relativeto the valve seat in response to substance at the inlet exceeding thevalve opening pressure. The filler defines a second hardness less thanthe first hardness for flexing with movement of the valve member, andallowing the valve member to move substantially radially betweennormally closed and open positions and for substantially preventingdebris and like substances from collecting between the valve member andbody. In some such embodiments, the first hardness is within the rangeof about 25 A to about 70 A durometer (“Shore A”), and the secondhardness is within the range of about 35 A to about 40 A durometer.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed toa device including a one-way valve of the present invention and avariable-storage chamber connected in fluid communication with the inletof the one-way valve. In some such embodiments, the device furtherincludes a flexible tube connected in fluid communication between thevalve and variable-volume storage chamber. In some such embodiments, thevariable-volume storage chamber is defined by a flexible pouch.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed toa valve for storing a sterile food product hermetically sealed in avariable-volume storage chamber, and dispensing the sterile food productthrough the valve and into a dilution chamber or a mixing chamber. Thevalve is connectable in fluid communication with the dilution chamber ormixing chamber and forms a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween.The valve comprises first means for forming a relatively rigid valvesealing surface, and second means that is relatively flexible foroverlying the first means for forming an axially-elongated, normallyclosed valve opening therebetween defining an inlet at one end of thefirst means, an outlet at an opposite end of the first means, and anaxially-extending seal therebetween. The second means moves radiallyaway from the first means in response to sterile food product at theinlet exceeding a valve opening pressure to allow the sterile foodproduct to flow into the normally closed valve opening, through theoutlet, and into the dilution chamber or mixing chamber. The valveincludes third means for enclosing the first and second means that isradially spaced relative to the second means, and extends axiallyadjacent to the second means for forming a space therebetween andallowing fluid-flow therethrough for cleaning the valve and the dilutionchamber or mixing chamber. The valve further includes fourth meansengageable with the dilution chamber or the mixing chamber for forming asubstantially fluid-tight seal therebetween, and sealing the outlet andthe dilution chamber or the mixing chamber with respect to ambientatmosphere. In some embodiments of the present invention, the firstmeans is a valve seat, the second means is a valve member, the thirdmeans is a valve body, and the fourth means is a seal.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed toa method comprising the following steps:

-   -   i) providing a one-way valve connected in fluid communication        with a variable-volume storage chamber storing therein a liquid        that is hermetically sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere;    -   ii) connecting the one-way valve in fluid communication with a        dilution chamber or a mixing chamber, and forming a        substantially fluid-tight seal between the one-way valve and the        dilution chamber or the mixing chamber;    -   iii) pressurizing a portion of the liquid from the        variable-volume storage chamber to a pressure that exceeds a        valve opening pressure of the one-way valve; iv) introducing the        pressurized liquid into an inlet of a normally closed valve        opening of the one-way valve;    -   v) moving with the pressurized liquid a flexible valve member        radially away from a relatively rigid valve seat of the one-way        valve to open a normally-closed axially extending valve opening        of the one-way valve;    -   vi) allowing the pressurized liquid to flow from the inlet,        through the normally-closed axially extending valve opening and,        in turn, through an outlet of the normally-closed valve opening        and into the dilution chamber or the mixing chamber;    -   vii) upon passage of the pressurized liquid through the        normally-closed valve opening, allowing the resilient flexible        valve member to move radially into engagement with the valve        seat to seal the normally-closed valve opening; and    -   viii) maintaining the liquid in the variable-volume storage        chamber sterile and hermetically sealed with respect to ambient        atmosphere throughout the foregoing steps.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid is a perishablefood product. In some such embodiments, the perishable food product is amilk product or a chocolate product.

One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a one-wayvalve for use in a dispensing apparatus whereby liquid can be dispensedfrom a pouch or other storage chamber without contamination of theproduct remaining in the pouch. In doing so the one-way valve canprovide for a relatively low-cost pouch or other variable-volume storagechamber, for dispensing ready-to-use product, while improving theshelf-life of the product after opening and removing the need forrefrigeration after opening.

A further advantage of the currently preferred embodiments of thepresent invention is that they provide a one-way valve integral to anaseptic pouch or other variable-volume storage chamber where the one-wayvalve may be easily incorporated into a dispensing apparatus withoutallowing contamination of the product within the storage chamber. Yetanother advantage is that such point-of-use replacements can be madewith minimal dispensing apparatus out-of-service time, without the useof tools, if desired, and the one-way valve may be readily inspectablefor tampering.

A further advantage of the currently preferred embodiments of thepresent invention is that the one-way valve can prevent contamination ofthe remaining product when exposed to an external cleaning orsterilization process. The one-way valve can be exposed to a hightemperature fluid such as water during the wash phase of aclean-in-place operation, and debris and/or other material dislodged isprevented from introduction into the one-way valve. Yet anotheradvantage is that the one-way valve maintains its hermetic seal onexposure to a vacuum should negative pressure be employed or otherwiseencountered during a clean-in-place operation.

Yet another advantage of the currently preferred embodiments of thepresent invention is that they allow for dispensing ready-to-drinkbeverages, or ingredients of beverages, such as milk-based ingredientsfor coffee drinks or chocolate-based ingredients for coffee and/ormilk-based drinks, from one or more hermetically sealed, flexiblepouches or other variable-volume storage chambers. Yet another advantageis that the unused portion of a perishable product can be storedhermetically while aseptically preventing contamination and allowing forhermetically-sealed storage after dispensing without refrigeration.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention, and/or of thecurrently preferred embodiments thereof, will become more readilyapparent in view of the following detailed description of the currentlypreferred embodiments and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic view of a dispensing apparatus employingmultiple one-way valve, tube and pouch assemblies, and including pumps,dilution chambers or mixing bowls, and passageways so as to allow forthe further selective mixing of fluid passed across the one-way valves;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the flexible pouch, tube andvalve assemblies of the dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the dilution chambers or mixingbowls and a one-way valve releasably connected thereto of the dispensingapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the dilution chamber/mixing bowl andone-way valve of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the one-way valve of FIGS. 3 and 4without the flexible tube and pouch connected thereto;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a one-wayvalve releasably connected to a dilution chamber/mixing bowl of thedispensing apparatus of FIG. 1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1 a dispensing apparatus embodying the present invention isindicated generally by the reference numeral 10. The dispensingapparatus 10 is contained within the dashed line of FIG. 1 and includesthe elements described below so as to effect the preparation anddispensing of ready-to-serve beverages into serving containers “A”. Thedispensing apparatus 10 includes two primary sections 12 configured in aparallel relationship with respect to each other for supplyingrespective ingredients, such as milk concentrate and chocolateconcentrate, diluting and/or mixing the respective ingredients with hotwater or other liquid(s), if desired, and, in turn, supplying thediluted/mixed ingredients to a secondary section 18 for finalpreparation and dispensing into serving containers A. Each primarysection 12 includes a reservoir assembly 16 containing a firstaseptically stored substance. In a preferred embodiment, one reservoirassembly 16 contains an aseptically stored substance differing from thatcontained in the other reservoir assembly 16. As may be recognized bythose of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachingsherein, the dispensing apparatus may include only one primary section16, may include more than two primary sections 16, and may include morethan one secondary section 18 each coupled in fluid communication withone or more respective primary section(s) 16.

The two reservoir assemblies 16, 16 hermetically seal with respect tothe ambient atmosphere first and second substances, respectively, untilsuch time as one, the other, or both are triggered for release. Thesubstances contained within each reservoir assembly 16 may take the formof any of numerous different products that are currently known, or thatlater become known, including without limitation any of numerousdifferent food and beverage products, such as milk based products,including milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, cream, half-and-half,baby formula, yogurt, soup (whether milk-based or not), and any ofnumerous other liquid nutrition products, ice cream (including dairy andnon-dairy, such as soy-based ice cream), juice, syrup, chocolate,chocolate concentrate, coffee, condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, andmayonnaise, and gases, such as coffee aroma. An exemplary embodimenthermetically seals milk concentrate in one reservoir assembly 16 andchocolate concentrate in the other reservoir assembly 16 which passthrough the respective primary sections 12, 12, are diluted by and mixedwith hot water, are further passed to and mixed together in thesecondary section 18, and finally deposited into a serving container Aas a ready-to-drink beverage accessible to the user.

A computerized controller 20 is electrically connected to the primarysections 12 and secondary section 18, including the pumps and otherelectrically actuated or other electrical components of such sectionsand the dispensing apparatus 10, in order to control actuation of suchcomponents in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the pertinentart. For example, triggering of the release of one, the other, or bothsubstances and the their subsequent manipulation with the dispensingapparatus so as to be combined as a ready-to-drink beverage in theserving container A is effected through interaction of the user with thecontroller 20. The user, by selecting a specific, desired ready-to-drinkbeverage causes the controller 20 to operate the elements furtherdescribed in such order and fashion as to effect the delivery of theready-to-drink beverage into the serving container A. The controller 20also triggers the functionality required to clean the subsequentlydescribed elements in place so as to substantially remove debris,contamination, and residue so as to provide a safe, sterile, anddesirable ready-to drink beverage into the serving container A.

As further shown in FIG. 1, each reservoir assembly 16 includes avariable-volume storage chamber 22, a flexible tube 24, and a one-wayvalve 26 through which the reservoir is releasably engaged to thedispensing apparatus 10. Each variable-volume storage container 22 isreleasably engaged to the dispensing apparatus 10 by structure known tothose of ordinary skill in the pertinent art adapted to support, fix,and allow for ease of installation and removal of the assembly. Forexample, in one such embodiment (as shown in broken lines in FIG. 2),each variable-volume storage chamber is a flexible pouch containedwithin a cardboard or like box. Each one-way valve 26 is releasablyengaged to the dispensing apparatus 10 through connection to arespective primary dilution chamber or mixing bowl 28 through meanssubsequently described, whereby the volume of the dilution chamber ormixing bowl 28 is hermetically sealed from its outside environment andallows for ease of installation and removal by an apparatus operator. Aflexible tube 24 included with each first reservoir assembly 16 isreleasably engaged to the dispensing apparatus 10 by a respectiveperistaltic pump 30 which employs rollers to selectively squeeze theflexible tube 24 for purposes of moving a desired portion of thesubstance contained within the respective reservoir assembly 16 acrossthe one-way valve 26. In manner likewise to the one-way valve 26 and thevariable-volume storage container 22, the engagement of the flexibletube 24 provides accessibility whereby installation and removal by anoperator is effected quickly, safely, and without the requirement oftools, if desired.

Each primary section 12 further includes elements for mixing portions ofproduct and delivering them to the secondary section 18. Each primarysection 12 further includes a primary dilution chamber or mixing bowl 28shown in cross-section in FIG. 1 to illustrate a valve connector 58adapted to releasably engage the one-way valve 26 and, in turn,releasably connect the valve to the dilution/mixing bowl 28 and form ahermetic or substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween. Each primarydilution chamber or mixing bowl 28 further defines a first port 32 and asecond port 34, both substantially adapted to allow for engagement toeither or a combination of a vacuum source (not shown), a water source(not shown), or a clean-in-place wash down means (also not shown). Asmay be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art basedon the teachings herein, each dilution/mixing chamber 28 can includeonly one port 32 or 34, or can include more than two such ports, as maybe desired or otherwise required. Each dilution chamber or mixing bowl28 is adapted to so engage a respective interconnect line 36 as topermit the selective fluid communications between the respective primarydilution chamber or mixing bowl 28 and the secondary section 18.

The secondary section 18 of the dispensing apparatus 10 delivers thesubstances from one or both primary dilution/mixing chambers through anoutlet 46 to a serving container A or other container or device. Forexample, the secondary section 18 may deliver substances from one orboth primary dilution/mixing chambers 28 to a container A, or maycombine the substances from one or more primary dilution/mixing chambersor one or more secondary dilution/mixing chambers (not shown), and inturn deliver the mixed substances to one or more containers A. As may berecognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on theteachings herein, the secondary section 18 of the dispensing apparatus10 may take the form of any of numerous different devices orconfigurations for receiving and further combining or mixing substancesand, in turn, delivering such mixed substances to a serving or othercontainer or device, and/or for delivering the substances from one ormore primary sections directly to a respective serving or othercontainer or device, that is currently known, or that later becomesknown.

As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent artbased on the teachings herein, the reservoir assemblies 16, 16 mayinclude elements of different size, geometries and be constructed ofdifferent material and design to accommodate different stored substancesor other requirements. Exemplary embodiments include variable-volumestorage containers 22 sized differently due to the different ratios ofsealed content required for the ready-to-drink beverages the dispensingapparatus 10 provides. One peristaltic pump 30 in another exemplaryembodiment is sized differently than the other peristaltic pump 30,engages with a flexible tube 24 of a different stiffness, and/or worksin conjunction with a one-way valve 26 constructed of differentmaterials to account for differing viscosities between the substanceshermetically sealed in the respective reservoir assemblies. Further,while these exemplary embodiments demonstrate the ability of thedispensing apparatus 10 to accommodate a variety of substances, they donot exclude the configuration where the reservoir assemblies 16, 16 aresubstantially identical. Still further, the specific types ofvariable-volume storage chambers, pumps and other components describedherein are only exemplary, and any of numerous other types of storagechambers, pumps and other components that are currently known, or thatlater become known, equally may be employed.

FIG. 1 further illustrates an operating mode of the apparatus 10 throughthe configurable setup of each primary dilution chamber or mixing bowl28. The illustrated embodiment of each primary dilution chamber ormixing bowl 28 includes the first port 32 and optional second port 34whereby, in a preferred embodiment, a substance like heated water isintroduced to dilute the substance that has moved across the one-wayvalve 26 which is then passed to the secondary section 18 for furthermixing and delivery and/or direct delivery to the container or device A.In an alternative embodiment, a substance such as coffee or teaconcentrate moves across a first port 32 and is combined with asubstance introduced into the respective primary mixing bowl 28 throughthe second port 34. The concentrate and water, once combined in therespective primary dilution chamber or mixing bowl 28 (which isdistinguishable due to entry without the passage of an asepticallystored substance across the respective one-way valve 26), then pass tothe secondary section 18 and out as a ready-to-drink beverage throughthe outlet 46.

These exemplary embodiments serve to illustrate the flexibility of thedispensing apparatus with regard to the preparation of ready-to drinkbeverages that would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Beveragescan be prepared from neither of, one of, or both of the substancescontained in each reservoir assembly 16, 16 (or additional reservoirassemblies if so employed, as indicated above). Further, beverages canbe prepared from substances which due to a property such as acidity donot require a hermetically sealed reservoir to store the unusedportions. Finally, ready-to-drink beverages can be prepared using thesubject invention where a subset of the required substances requirehermetic, aseptic storage and a subset which do not.

The inclusion of additional primary section(s) 12 provides foradditional operating modes to that described above. For example, inanother mode the apparatus 10 operates so as to receive in the secondarysection 18 the contents of a second primary dilution/mixing bowl 28,further mix, and discharge the contents through the outlet 46. In afurther operating mode, the secondary section 18 receives contents fromboth a first primary dilution/mixing bowl 28 and a second primarydilution/mixing bowl 28, mixes the substances, and discharges thecombination, through the outlet 46. Finally, in another operating mode,the contents of the secondary section 18 received from any one of theaforementioned operating modes are further combined with a substancereceived into the secondary section 18 prior to discharge as aready-to-drink beverage through the outlet 46. If desired, the secondarysection 18 may define plural outlets 46, wherein each outlet is coupledin fluid communication directly or indirectly with respective primarysections 12 or plural primary sections 12. These additional operatingmodes illustrate a subset of the operating means provided by thedispensing apparatus 10 whereby ready-to-drink beverages are preparedfrom individual or multiple liquids stored in the plural reservoirassemblies 16, 16. As would be recognized by those of ordinary skill inthe pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the described operatingmodes may be employed in any of numerous other ways to createready-to-serve beverages that are currently known or that later becomeknown.

With reference to FIG. 2, each reservoir assembly 16, which isreleasably mountable within the dispensing apparatus 10, includes thevariable-volume storage chamber 22 for the aseptic storage of the unusedportions subsequent to the installation of the reservoir into thedispensing apparatus. Each reservoir assembly 16 further includes theflexible tube 24 and the one-way valve 26 where the flexible tube 24couples the one-way valve 26 in fluid communication with thevariable-volume storage chamber 22. The variable-volume storage chamber22 is hermetically affixed to the flexible tube 24 through a reservoirfitting 54. The one-way valve 26 is further hermetically affixed to theflexible tube 24 by means of a one-way valve fitting 56. Alternatively,the flexible tube 24 may be heat sealed, welded, adhesively attached, orotherwise permanently connected to the variable-volume storage chamber22, or material forming the reservoir, such as a plastic or laminatedpouch, in any of numerous different ways that are currently known, orthat later become known, to hermetically seal the flexible tube 24 tothe one-way valve 26 and variable-volume storage chamber 22. Similarly,the one-way valve 26 may be connected to the flexible tube 24 in any ofnumerous different ways that are currently known, or that later becomeknown. In the illustrated embodiment, the variable-volume storagechamber 22 is defined by a flexible pouch of a type known to those ofordinary skill in the pertinent art, and is aseptically filled with therespective perishable food product or other substance in a manner knownto those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.

As also shown in FIG. 2, during shipping and handling, the one-way valve26 may include a protective cover 27 that encloses the valve, and isfrangibly connected thereto by a frangible ring connector 29. Prior toreleasably connecting the one-way valve 26 to the respectivedilution/mixing chamber 28, the operator manually grips and breaks thefrangible ring connector 29 which, in turn, allows removal of theprotective cover 27. One advantage of the protective cover 27 is that itprotects the one-way valve 26 during shipping and handling, and preventsanyone from tampering with the one-way valve prior to installation inthe dispensing apparatus.

As indicated in broken lines in FIG. 2, the flexible pouch 22 iscontained within a rigid pouch support structure 61, such as a cardboardbox or like enclosure of a type known to those of ordinary skill in thepertinent art, to facilitate handling, shipping, and installation intoand removal from the dispensing apparatus 10. The support structure 61in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 imposes a substantially cubicalshape to the flexible pouch so as to protect the pouch during shipment,storage, installation, and use. The support structure 61 further aids inquick, economical, and safe installation of each reservoir assembly 16,16 into the dispensing apparatus 10. As would be recognized by those ofordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, theshape of each variable-volume storage chamber 22 can be adapted throughthe selection of a rigid support structure so as to meet the needs ofthe dispensing apparatus 10; for example, by having an inverted taper soas to present at its bottom a cross-section similar to that of flexibletube 24 to facilitate the movement of material out of thevariable-volume storage container. Further, the shapes of eachvariable-volume storage chamber 22 may comparatively vary in volume inaccordance with disparate usage requirements as when used to create aready-to-drink hot chocolate drink where a greater portion of a firstmilk concentrate is combined with a smaller portion of a secondchocolate concentrate, or vice versa.

FIG. 3 illustrates in further detail an exemplary connector 58 forreleasably connecting the one-way valve to the respectivedilution/mixing chamber 28 and, in turn, facilitating the formation ofand/or maintaining a fluid-tight seal between the connected valve andthe dilution/mixing chamber. As may be recognized by those of ordinaryskill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, each connector58 may take the form of any of numerous different connectors that arecurrently known, or that later become known. For example, the connectorsmay form a snap fit or a threaded connection between the valves anddilution/mixing chambers. Alternatively, the connectors may employfasteners, such as thumb screws or bail screws, or other fasteners thatare currently known, or that later become known, for releasablyconnecting the valves to the dilution/mixing chambers. As hereinafterdescribed, each valve includes a seal between the valve and thedilution/mixing chamber to form a fluid-tight or hermetic sealtherebetween. If desired, the connectors may facilitate in compressingthe seals when releasably connecting the valves to, in turn, form and/ormaintain the fluid-tight or hermetic seals between the releasablyconnected valves and dilution/mixing chambers.

In the illustrated embodiment, each exemplary connector 58 is a ringconnector that surrounds the inlet tube 59 of the one-way valve.Although not shown in FIG. 3, the outlet end of the flexible tube 24 isconnected to the inlet tube 59 to introduce substance from thevariable-volume storage chamber 22 and flexible tube 24 into the valve.The connector 58 surrounds the flexible tube 24 in such a way that itboth translates axially along the flexible tube 24 and rotates about theaxis of the flexible tube 24 and inlet tube 59. The connector 58 isfurther permanently included in the reservoir assembly insofar as thedepicted embodiment includes a connector 58 where the inside radius “R”of the connector is greater than that of the flexible tube 24 butsmaller than the outer diameter of the one-way valve 26 (i.e., theconnector 58 is captured on the flexible tube 24 between the one-wayvalve 26 and pouch connector 54 (FIG. 2)).

As shown best in FIG. 3, each exemplary connector 58 includes aplurality of installation ears 60 that are angularly spaced relative toeach other about the axis of one-way valve 26. As shown in FIGS. 3 and4, each exemplary connector 58 further includes a plurality of dependingconnection tabs 62 that are angularly spaced relative to each otherabout the circumference of the connector, and are received withincorresponding angularly-extending slots 64 formed through alaterally-extending upper wall 66 of the dilution/mixing chamber 28 toreleasably connect the one-way valve to the dilution/mixing chamber. Asshown in FIG. 4, each depending tab 62 defines a laterally extending leg68 that frictionally engages the underside of the upper wall 66 toreleasably hold the connector and one-way valve in place.

As shown best in FIGS. 4 through 6, each one-way valve 26 includes anannular valve body 70 and an elastomeric seal including a first ordistal seal 72 formed at the distal end of the valve body, and second orlateral seal 74 formed on the outer periphery of the distal end of thevalve body. As shown in FIG. 4, the dilution/mixing chamber 28 includesa valve port 76 in fluid communication with the internal dilution/mixingchamber for receiving therein the one-way valve 26, and defines at thebase thereof a first sealing surface 78 oriented substantially normal tothe axis of the valve and dilution/mixing chamber, and a second sealingsurface 80 defined by the side wall of the valve port 76 contiguous tothe first sealing surface 78. As can be seen, when the one-way valve 26is inserted into the valve port 76 of the dilution/mixing chamber 28,the first seal 72 sealingly engages the first sealing surface 78, andthe second seal 74 sealingly engages the second sealing surface 80, tothereby form a substantially fluid tight seal between the one-way valveand dilution/mixing chamber and hermetically seal the chamber from theambient atmosphere.

In order to releasably connect the one-way valve 26 to thedilution/mixing chamber 28, the operator removes the frangible cover 27(FIG. 2) and inserts the valve body 70 into the valve port 76 until thefirst seal 72 abuttingly engages the first sealing surface 78, and thesecond seal 74 abuttingly engages the second sealing surface 80. Then,the operator inserts the depending tabs 62 of the ring connector 58 intothe corresponding slots 64 of the dilution/mixing chamber 28, manuallyengages two of the diametrically opposed ears 60, and rotates theconnector 58 so that the laterally extending legs 68 frictionally engagethe underside of the upper wall 66 of the dilution/mixing chamber. Inorder to rotate the connector, the user may simultaneously pressdownwardly on the connector and/or one-way valve to compress the firstand/or second seals 72 and 74, respectively. The compression of theseal(s) 72, 74 facilitates in maintaining a fluid-tight seal between theone-way valve 26 and dilution/mixing chamber 28, and contributes tofrictionally engaging the laterally-extending legs 68 with the undersideof the upper wall 66 to releasably hold the connector and one-way valvein place. As indicated above, any of numerous different connectors thatare currently known, or that later become known, equally may be employedto releasably connect the valves to the dilution/mixing chambers. Theconnectors may, if desired, operate to compress the seals to furthereffect and/or maintain a substantially fluid-tight seal between therespective valve and dilution/mixing chamber. As shown in FIG. 5, theexternal periphery of the valve body 70 includes a plurality ofaxially-extending alignment ribs 81 that are angularly spaced relativeto each. The alignment ribs 81 serve to axially align the one-way valve26 to the dilution/mixing bowl 28 and affix the one-way valve 26rotationally with respect to the axis of the dilution/mixing chamber.

As shown in FIG. 4, each one-way valve 26 includes the valve body 70that extends annularly about the one-way valve, the inlet tube 59 thatis connected to the flexible tube 24 (FIG. 2) and defines anaxially-extending passageway, an axially-extending, relatively rigidvalve seat 82, and a plurality of flow apertures 84 on a substantiallyfixed radius from the axis of the valve seat 82 extending axiallythrough the valve body 70 adjacent to the valve seat 82 and coupled influid communication with the axially-extending passageway of the inlettube 59. An exemplary embodiment of the one-way valve 26 includes threeflow inlet apertures 84 spaced about 120° apart about a common radiusfrom the axis of the valve seat 82. However, as may be recognized bythose of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachingsherein, each one-way valve may define any of numerous different numbersof apertures and/or aperture configurations that are currently known orthat later become known.

The one-way valve assembly 26 further includes an annular valve memberor cover 86 formed of an elastic material, such as silicone, andincluding a cover base 88 mounted on the valve body 70 and fixedlysecured against axial movement relative thereto. The valve member 86further defines a valve portion 90 overlying the valve seat 82, and asindicated by the overlapping lines in FIG. 6, defining an interferencefit therebetween. The valve portion 90 defines an inner diameter D1 lessthan the outer diameter D2 of the valve seat 82 to thereby form theinterference fit therebetween (as indicated by the overlapping lines inFIG. 6). The flexible overlying valve portion 90 and underlying rigidvalve seat 82 form an axially-elongated, normally-closed valve openingtherebetween defining an inlet 92 at one end of the valve seat 82, anoutlet 94 at an opposite end of the valve seat 82, and anaxially-extending seal 96 therebetween that forms a fluid-tight sealbetween the inlet and outlet of the normally-closed valve opening. Thevalve portion 90 is movable radially away from the valve seat 82 inresponse to substance at the inlet apertures 84 and inlet 92 exceeding avalve opening pressure to flow into the normally closed valve opening96, through the outlet 94, and into the respective dilution/mixingchamber 28.

As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent artbased on the teachings herein, the valve member and valve seat maydefine any of numerous different configurations that are currentlyknown, or that later become known. For example, the valve portion 90 andvalve seat 82 may define a decreasing level of interference at the inlet92 relative to the outlet 94 of the normally-closed valve opening 96.Further, the valve portion 90 and valve seat 82 may define aprogressively decreasing level of interference in the direction from theinlet 92 to the outlet 94 of the normally-closed valve opening 96. Stillfurther, the valve portion need not be annular as shown, but rather maydefine an arc shape, such as a semi-circular shaped valve seat. Further,the valve portion and valve seat may define a progressively increasinglevel of interference when moving angularly from the center of anarc-shaped valve portion and valve seat laterally (or angularly)outwardly from the center toward the lateral or marginal edge portionsof the valve portion/valve seat interface.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve member 86 is made of amaterial, such as silicone, and is configured to define a valve openingpressure that is sufficiently high to maintain a hermetic seal betweenthe valve member and valve seat during a clean-in-place process. Thevalve opening pressure is at least about 5 psi, is preferably at leastabout 6½ psi, and more preferably is at least about 8½ psi. The valvemember also defines a first thickness T1 at the base of the valveportion and/or at about the inlet 92, and a second thickness T2 at aboutthe outlet 94 that is less than the first thickness T1. The firstthickness T1 is at least about 1¼ times greater than the secondthickness T2, is preferably at least about 1½ times greater, and is morepreferably at least about 1¾ times greater. One advantage of thisconfiguration is that the increased thickness at the base can beselected to set the valve opening pressure at a level that prevents thevalve from opening when subjected to a vacuum within the respectivedilution/mixing chamber 28, such as during a clean in place cycle.

The one-way valve 26 further comprises a deflector 98 extending axiallybeyond the outlet 94 of the normally closed valve opening 96. The distalend of the deflector 98 either (1) extends axially about the same extentas the distal end of the valve body 70, or (2) extends axially beyondthe distal end of the valve body 70. In the illustrated embodiment, thedeflector 98 extends axially from the valve seat 82 beyond the distalend of the valve body defined by the first seal 72. Also in theillustrated embodiment, the deflector 98 is substantially conical shapedand, as shown in FIG. 6, the side wall of the cone is curved inwardlyand defined by a radius “R”. The deflector 98 protects the valve portion90 and substantially prevents contact with the outlet 94 of the valve.The recessed cone defined by one or more radii R facilitates indeflecting fluid that impacts the deflector, such as a cleaning fluid,from directly impacting the valve outlet 94, and in directed such fluidinto the annular space formed between the valve member and valve body ashereinafter described.

As seen in the Figures, in the illustrated embodiment the valve 26 iscomprised of multiple parts, here two. The valve body 70, which includesthe valve cover 86, is formed as one part, and a valve core 110 isformed as another part. The valve core 110 includes the inlet tube 59,valve seat 82 and deflector 98, which in the illustrated embodiment areintegral with each other, and defines the flow apertures 84. Asillustrated, the valve body 70 and valve core 110 are snap fit together.The valve core 110 is inserted into the annular space 112 defined by theannular valve member 86 until a valve core flange 114 of the valve core110 seats against a rear flange 116 of the valve body 70. The valve coreflange 114 is positioned relative to the valve seat 82, and the rearflange 116 is positioned relative to the valve portion 90, so that whenthe valve core 110 seats into the valve body 70, the valve seat 82engages the valve portion to form the valve opening and seal 96.

To maintain the valve core flange 114 in place in the valve body 70, thevalve body 70 has an engagement portion 118, in the illustratedembodiment located at the rear end of the valve body 70, that contains aplurality of inwardly extending snap tabs 120. The snap tabs 120 locatea rear surface 122 of the valve core flange 114 when the valve core 110is seated in the valve body 70. Similar to known snap fit arrangements,and as seen in the Figures, the forward surfaces 124 of the snap tabs120 that locate the rear surface 122 of the valve core flange 114 areoriented substantially parallel to the rear surface 122, and therearward surfaces 126 of the snap tabs 120 are angled relative to thevalve core flange 114. In addition, the engagement portion 118 issufficiently resilient so that when the valve core flange 114 engagesthe rearward surfaces 126 during snap fit insertion of the valve core110 into the valve body 70, the snap tabs 120 flex sufficiently outwardto permit the valve core flange 114 to pass beyond the snap tabs 120seat into the valve body 70. Once the valve core flange 114 passes bythe snap tabs 120, the snap taps 120 return towards an inward positionso that the forward surfaces 124 overlap the rear surface 122 andnormally prevent the valve core 110 from removal from the valve body 70.

As further seen in the illustrated embodiment, the valve cover 86defines an annular rear sealing surface 128 that sealingly engages thevalve core flange 114 when the valve core flange 114 is seated in thevalve body 70. The rear sealing surface 128 thus defines a liquid-tightseal between the valve body 70 and the valve core 110.

As shown in FIG. 6, the axially-extending valve body is radially spacedrelative to the valve portion 90 and forms a radially and axiallyextending space 100 therebetween allowing fluid-flow therethrough forcleaning the valve 26 and the dilution/mixing chamber 28. The deflector98 facilitates in directing any water or other fluid contacting it intoan annular space 100 to facilitate cleaning the valve. As showntypically in FIG. 6, in order to protect the outlet 94 of the valve, thedistal end of the valve portion 90 is spaced inwardly relative to thedistal end of the valve body 70 to thereby allow the valve body tosubstantially enclose and protect the valve. As also shown typically inFIG. 6, the valve member defines a base 102 located approximately at theflow apertures 84, and in the illustrated embodiment, the base 102extends upstream relative to the flow apertures. As can be seen, thebase 102 extends radially between the valve seat 82 and annular valvebody 70, and defines a curvilinear surface 104 extending substantiallyradially between the valve seat 82 and valve body 70. The curvilinearsurface 104 includes a first curvilinear surface portion adjacent to thevalve seat 82 defined by a first radius R1, and a second curvilinearsurface portion adjacent to the valve body 70 defined by a second radiusR2. As can be seen, the first radius R1 is greater than the secondradius R2. One advantage of the curvilinear contour at the base of thevalve member is that it facilitates the flow of fluid, such as cleaningfluid, through the annular space 100 and substantially prevents thecollection of any residue or debris within this space. As also shown inFIG. 6, the first and second seals 72 and 74, respectively, are formedintegral with the valve portion 90 by co-molding the valve member andseals. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve portion 90 and seals 72,74 are overmolded to the valve body 70.

In an exemplary operation of the dispensing apparatus 10, a userdispenses a substantially predetermined amount of fluid from thevariable-volume storage chamber 22 through the one-way valve 26 into thefirst primary dilution/mixing bowl 28. The content of the first primarymixing bowl 28 is then combined with a second, different fluid whichenters through the port 32. The combined fluid contents of the firstprimary dilution/mixing bowl 28 is then conveyed through theinterconnect tube 36 to the secondary section 18. Concurrently or in asequence appropriate to the fluid, the controller 20 then dispenses asubstantially predetermined amount of fluid from the variable-volumestorage chamber 22 into the second primary dilution/mixing bowl 28. Thecontent of the secondary section 18 is then conveyed through theinterconnect tube 36 to the secondary section 18. There the fluids arethen mixed, and conveyed through the outlet 46 for consumption as aready-to-serve beverage.

As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent artbased on the teachings herein, the dispensing apparatus 10 isparticularly suitable for storing and dispensing ready-to-drinkproducts, such as those that are generally difficult to preserve uponopening. Accordingly, a significant advantage is that such products canbe distributed and stored at an ambient temperature while allowing theproduct to remain shelf-stable even after dispensing product from thepouch, whether refrigerated or not. Further, the present invention hasthe advantage of combining the product with other products or dilutingit based on the requirements of the user. Finally, the present inventionhas the added advantage of allowing for clean-in-place of the productfacing surfaces of the one-way valves so as to substantially prevent theaccumulation of debris or growth of micro-organisms thereon.

Turning to FIG. 7, another one-way valve embodying the present inventionis indicated generally by the reference numeral 126. The one-way valve126 is substantially the same as the valve 26 described above, andtherefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “1” are usedto indicate like elements. The primary difference of the one-way valve126 is that it includes a filler 200 located in the annular regionbetween the valve portion 190 and valve body 170, that is formed of anelastic material of lesser hardness than that of the valve portion. Thefiller 200 defines an inner filler end 202, and a distal filler end 204,where the filler material constitutes the contact face of the one-wayvalve 126. As can be seen, filler 200 is contoured at the distal fillerend 204 so as to present to an inverted, cupped surface S that is easilycleaned. The cupped cavity surface S defines a gently curved surfacewhich is amenable to cleaning by fluid introduced into the respectivedilution/mixing bowl 128 for that specific purpose with sufficientvolume and force so as to remove debris, contaminates andmicro-organisms thereby producing a sanitary surface.

As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent artbased on the teachings herein, numerous changes, modification andimprovements may be made to the above-described and other embodiments ofthe present invention without departing from its scope as defined in theappended claims. For example, the one-way valve may be made of any ofnumerous different materials, and may take any of numerous differentconfigurations. For example, the valve cover may extend annularly aboutthe valve seat, or may define a non-annular, arcuate shape that forms aninterference fit with a correspondingly shaped valve seat. The one-wayvalve may define any desired number of inlet apertures, normally-closedvalve opening seal lengths, and may or may not include any of numerousdifferent deflectors. Similarly, the one-way valve may be connected andsealed to a fluid-receiving chamber, such as a dilution chamber and/ormixing bowl, in any of numerous different ways that are currently known,or that later become known. For example, the one-way valve need notinclude separate connectors, such as the exemplary ring connectors, butrather the valve itself may form a connector or fastener for releasablyconnecting the valve to the dilution/mixing chamber or other structureor device. In one such embodiment, the valve frictionally engages thedilution/mixing chamber to releasably connect the valve thereto. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the valve and dilution/mixing chamber formcooperating threads to threadedly connect the valve to thedilution/mixing chamber, such as by rotatably connecting the valve tothe dilution/mixing chamber. Further, the seal between the one-way valveand the fluid-receiving chamber may take any of numerous differentconfigurations, or the valve and chamber may not include such a seal.Still further, the present invention may be used to store and dispenseany of numerous different types of substances, to make any of numerousdifferent types of products, including any of numerous different typesof beverages, foods or other types of products. Similarly, thevariable-volume storage chamber need not define a variable volume,and/or may be formed by any of numerous structures other than flexiblepouches that are currently known, or that later become known. Stillfurther, the pump need not be a peristaltic pump, but may be defined byany of numerous different types of pumps, that are electric or manuallyactuated (or foot actuated) that may or may not be assembled or formedintegral with the one-way valve and/or an actuator for the valve.Accordingly, this detailed description of the currently preferredembodiments is to be taken in an illustrative as opposed to a limitingsense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve connectable in fluid communication with afluid-receiving chamber and forming a substantially fluid-tight sealtherebetween, the valve comprising a relatively rigid valve seat, arelatively flexible valve member overlying the valve seat and forming anaxially-elongated, normally-closed valve opening therebetween definingan inlet at one end of the valve seat, an outlet at an opposite end ofthe valve seat, and an axially-extending seal therebetween that forms afluid-tight seal between the inlet and outlet of the normally-closedvalve opening, an axially-extending valve body radially spaced relativeto the valve member and forming a space therebetween allowing fluid-flowtherethrough for cleaning the valve and fluid-receiving chamber, and aseal engageable with the fluid-receiving chamber and forming asubstantially fluid-tight seal therebetween to seal the valve outlet andfluid-receiving chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere, wherein thevalve member is movable radially away from the valve seat in response tosubstance at the inlet to the valve opening exceeding a valve openingpressure to flow into the normally closed valve opening, through theoutlet, and into the fluid-receiving chamber.
 2. A valve as defined inclaim 1, further comprising a deflector extending axially beyond theoutlet of the normally closed valve opening.
 3. A valve as defined inclaim 2, wherein the deflector extends axially beyond a distal end ofthe valve body.
 4. A valve as defined in claim 2, wherein the deflectorextends axially from the valve seat.
 5. A valve as defined in claim 4,wherein the deflector defines a distal end and the valve body defines adistal end, and the distal end of the deflector either (1) extendsaxially about the same extent as the distal end of the valve body, or(2) extends axially beyond the distal end of the valve body.
 6. A valveas defined in claim 4, wherein the deflector is substantially conicalshaped.
 7. A valve as defined in claim 1, wherein the valve member andthe valve seat form an interference fit therebetween.
 8. A valve asdefined in claim 7, wherein the valve member and valve seat define adecreasing level of interference at the inlet relative to the outlet ofthe normally-closed valve opening.
 9. A valve as defined in claim 8,wherein the valve member and valve seat define a progressivelydecreasing level of interference in the direction from the inlet to theoutlet of the normally-closed valve opening.
 10. A valve as defined inclaim 1, wherein the valve member defines a first thickness at the inletand a second thickness at the outlet that is less than the firstthickness.
 11. A valve as defined in claim 10, wherein the firstthickness is at least about 1¼ times greater than the second thickness.12. A valve as defined in claim 1, wherein the valve member defines adistal end, the valve body defines a distal end, and the distal end ofthe valve member is spaced axially inwardly relative to the distal endof the valve body.
 13. A valve as defined in claim 7, wherein the valvebody extends annularly about the valve member.
 14. A valve as defined inclaim 13, wherein the valve member extends annularly about the valveseat and includes a base located approximately at the valve opening orupstream of the valve opening, wherein the base extends radially betweenthe valve seat and valve body.
 15. A valve as defined in claim 14,wherein the base of the valve member defines a curvilinear surfaceextending substantially radially between the valve seat and valve body.16. A valve as defined in claim 15, wherein the base includes a firstcurvilinear surface portion adjacent to the valve seat defined by afirst radius, a second curvilinear surface portion adjacent to the valvebody defined by a second radius, and wherein the first radius is greaterthan the second radius.
 17. A valve as defined in claim 15, wherein theseal extends annularly about a distal end of the valve body.
 18. A valveas defined in claim 17, wherein the seal is formed integral with thevalve member.
 19. A valve as defined in claim 17, wherein the valvemember and seal are co-molded to the valve body.
 20. A valve as definedin claim 18, wherein the valve member, seal, and valve body define aspace that extends annularly along the valve member and radially betweenthe valve member and valve body for receiving fluid therethrough forcleaning the valve.
 21. A valve as defined in claim 1, wherein thechamber is a dilution chamber or a mixing chamber for receiving aperishable food product, the dilution chamber or mixing chamber andvalve are subjected to a clean-in-place process involving elevatedtemperatures above ambient temperature and vacuum pressure, and thevalve member is made of a material and is configured to define a valveopening pressure that is sufficiently high to maintain a hermetic sealbetween the valve member and valve seat during the clean-in-placeprocess.
 22. A valve as defined in claim 21, wherein the valve openingpressure is at least about 5 psi.
 23. A valve as defined in claim 1,wherein the valve member is made of silicone.
 24. A device including avalve as defined in claim 1 and a variable-storage chamber connected influid communication with the inlet.
 25. A device as defined in claim 24,further comprising a flexible tube connected in fluid communicationbetween the valve and variable-volume storage chamber.
 26. A valve asdefined in claim 1, further comprising a relatively flexible fillerextending axially and radially between the valve member and valve body,wherein the valve member defines a first hardness that allows the valvemember to flex outwardly relative to the valve seat in response to asubstance at the valve inlet exceeding the valve opening pressure; andthe filler defines a second hardness less than the first hardness forflexing with movement of the valve member and allowing the valve memberto move substantially radially between normally closed and openpositions and for substantially preventing debris and like substancesfrom collecting between the valve member and body.
 27. A valve asdefined in claim 26, wherein the first hardness is within the range ofabout 25 A to about 70 A, and the second hardness is within the range ofabout 35 A to about 40 A.
 28. A valve for storing a sterile food producthermetically sealed in a variable-volume storage chamber, and dispensingthe sterile food product through the valve and into a dilution chamberor a mixing chamber, wherein the valve is connectable in fluidcommunication with the dilution chamber or mixing chamber and forms asubstantially fluid-tight seal therebetween, the valve comprising: firstmeans for forming a relatively rigid valve sealing surface; second meansthat is relatively flexible for overlying the first means and forming anaxially-elongated, normally closed valve opening therebetween definingan inlet at one end of the first means, an outlet at an opposite end ofthe first means, and an axially-extending seal therebetween, and formoving radially away from the first means in response to sterile foodproduct at the inlet exceeding a valve opening pressure to allow thesterile food product to flow into the normally closed valve opening,through the outlet, and into the dilution chamber or mixing chamber;third means for enclosing the first and second means that is radiallyspaced relative to the second means and extends axially adjacent to thesecond means for forming a space therebetween and allowing fluid-flowtherethrough for cleaning the valve and the dilution chamber or mixingchamber; and fourth means engageable with the dilution chamber or themixing chamber for forming a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetweenand sealing the outlet and the dilution chamber or the mixing chamberwith respect to ambient atmosphere.
 29. A valve as defined in claim 27,wherein the first means is a valve seat, the second means is a valvemember, the third means is a valve body, and the fourth means is a seal.30. A device comprising a valve as defined in claim 29, and furthercomprising fifth means coupled in fluid communication with the inlet forstoring multiple portions of the sterile perishable food producthermetically sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere.
 31. A methodcomprising the following steps: i) providing a one-way valve connectedin fluid communication with a variable-volume storage chamber storingtherein a liquid that is hermetically sealed with respect to ambientatmosphere; ii) connecting the one-way valve in fluid communication witha dilution chamber or a mixing chamber, and forming a substantiallyfluid-tight seal between the one-way valve and the dilution chamber orthe mixing chamber; iii) pressurizing a portion of the liquid from thevariable-volume storage chamber to a pressure that exceeds a valveopening pressure of the one-way valve; iv) introducing the pressurizedliquid into an inlet of a normally closed valve opening of the one-wayvalve; v) moving with the pressurized liquid a flexible valve memberradially away from a relatively rigid valve seat of the one-way valve toopen a normally-closed axially extending valve opening of the one-wayvalve; vi) allowing the pressurized liquid to flow from the inlet,through the normally-closed axially extending valve opening and, inturn, through an outlet of the normally-closed valve opening and intothe dilution chamber or the mixing chamber; vii) upon passage of thepressurized liquid through the normally-closed valve opening, allowingthe resilient flexible valve member to move radially into engagementwith the valve seat to seal the normally-closed valve opening; and viii)maintaining the liquid in the variable-volume storage chamber sterileand hermetically sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere throughoutthe foregoing steps.
 32. A method as defined in claim 31, wherein theliquid is a perishable food product.
 33. A method as defined in claim32, wherein the perishable food product is a milk product or a chocolateproduct.
 34. A method as defined in claim 31, further comprising thesteps of providing in combination a plurality of variable-volume storagechamber and one-way valve assemblies, and releasably connecting eachone-way valve assembly to a respective dilution chamber or mixing bowl.35. A method as defined in claim 34, wherein the providing step furtherincludes providing in each variable-volume storage chamber a respectiveperishable liquid food product sealed therein with respect to ambientatmosphere.
 36. A method as defined in claim 31, further comprising thestep of frangibly connecting a cover to the one-way valve to protect thevalve during handling prior to the connecting step.
 37. A method asdefined in claim 31, wherein the pressurizing step includes pressurizingthe portion of the liquid to a pressure at or above a valve openingpressure.
 38. A method as defined in claim 31, wherein the one-way valvedefines an axially and radially extending space between the valve memberand valve body, and the method further comprises the step of directing aflow of cleaning fluid through said space to clean the valve member andprevent the collection of residue thereon.
 39. A method as defined inclaim 31, further comprising providing a deflector on the valve andusing the deflector to protect and prevent contact with the valvemember.
 40. A method as defined in claim 39, further comprisingrecessing a distal end of the valve member within an annular valve bodyto further protect the valve member.